CHINA'S INTERESTS IN REMAINING IN THE BRICS FORUM IN 2024

Abstract

This paper examines why China remains engaged in the BRICS forum in 2024 despite potential economic, political-diplomatic, and security costs. Using a qualitative, descriptive design and secondary data, the study finds three primary drivers. First, economic interests: market access, financing through the New Development Bank (NDB), and alignment with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Second, political-strategic considerations to advance multipolarity and balance Western dominance without direct confrontation. Third, security cooperation, including collective security and cyber security collaboration. Overall, the strategic long-term benefits China seeks from BRICS outweigh short-term costs stemming from intra-member differences, including with India. Accordingly, China’s continued membership and activism in BRICS can be understood as a state survival strategy in an anarchic international system.